Unexpected Dinner Before Showdown
In a peculiar turn of events leading up to their highly anticipated showdown on September 13, boxing superstars Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford found themselves dining together, a move orchestrated by Turki Alalshikh. This unusual arrangement, somewhat of a Saudi Arabian rite before a mega-fight, caught the attention of fans and commentators alike, as both fighters posed for photographs that conveyed a sense of discomfort in having to share a meal while simultaneously preparing for battle.
Online Reactions and Discussion
This image has ignited a discussion online about the appropriateness of matchmaking practices before a fight.
Unlike the conventional approach where competitors typically face off in a press conference atmosphere, Alvarez and Crawford were seen engaged in a meal, surrounded by the press, participating in a series of promotional activities ahead of their clash. This ritual is not novel for Alalshikh, as he similarly facilitated an awkward dinner during the week of the Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev fight, which also drew considerable criticism and amusement on social media.
Changing Traditions in Boxing
This contemporary trend departs from the tradition of fighters maintaining distance after initial press announcements, only to reunite for final pre-fight publicity. With new promotional strategies introduced under Saudi Arabian sponsorship, Canelo and Crawford are expected to embrace a series of events, including an upcoming press tour and filming a promotional trailer for their Las Vegas fight, organized by UFC President Dana White at Allegiant Stadium.
Observers have pointed out that such social interactions might undermine the intense rivalry that typically characterizes boxing matchups. Fans have voiced their concerns, expressing a desire for the fighters to maintain a focused, combative spirit rather than foster camaraderie.
Criticism from the MMA Community
MMA fighter Dillon Danis criticized the situation, labeling it as “weird”.
As numerous fans expressed their bewilderment at the idea of opponents sharing a meal before entering the ring, comments flooded in, ranging from questioning the rationale behind such dinners to speculating humorously whether boxers might soon partake in joint shopping experiences for fight attire.
Conclusion: The Future of Boxing Promotions
As boxing evolves in this era of lavish promotions, many are left pondering the impact of such encounters on the long-standing traditions of the sport. Will dining together before a face-off become the norm, or will fighters manage to keep the adversarial relationship alive despite these forced niceties?
As the Canelo-Crawford saga unfolds, fans await to see where these innovative promotional strategies lead the sport of boxing.
